The
question of the competitive position of the EU in the field of patents and
production technology: through mergers and acquisitions, know-how of European
companies is getting into the hands of non-EU foreign companies. Protectionist
measures could safeguard the European competitive position vis a vis, for
instance, the US and China, but such measures would contravene WTO-rules. What
should the EU position be in this respect?

Committee on Employment and Social
Affairs

The
question of growing unemployment among young people in the European Union:
increasingly unemployment, specifically amongst the younger generation, is
becoming a serious problem within the European Union. What measures can the EU
take to stimulate the participation of young people in the labour market – or
should fighting unemployment be considered a national responsibility?

Committee on Environment, Health and
Food Safety

The
question of the protection of biodiversity: the EU strives to protect, and where
necessary restore, flora and fauna by creating a network of nature reserves,
Natura 2000. This will inevitably entail limitations on sectors such as
recreation, agriculture, fishing and housing, with consequences for employment.
How can these competing interests be balanced?

Committee on Civil Liberties,
Justice and Home Affairs

The
question of human trafficking: every year great numbers of people are smuggled into the
European Union by traffickers. A large percentage of these end up in
prostitution, others fall victim to forced labour, human organ trade and
illegal adoption. What can be done to fight this modern-day slave trade?

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

The
question of the cohesion of the European Union: the European leaders have, since
the beginning of the financial crisis, not proved able to provide the decisive
leadership required to face the present problems. This jeopardises the overall
cohesion of the Union. What instruments does the EU have at its disposal to
face the problems and retain cohesion, and how should these be deployed?